Nap, a bath, trampoline, home depot, Dr. visit and dinner for 7

That was my day. Long story short. Up at 7 am, sleepy, made Mia and I breakfast, slept on the couch through Sesame Street.

Mi went to bed, I took a bath. She never actually napped. She was jumping on her bed like a full fledged trampoline. Then she started to kick the wall. Sigh, oh well.

Woke Ed up and got Mia and myself ready to go. We ran to the Village Hall to pay the water bill, deposit to the bank, Home Depot to pay for the carpet for Alex's room, then to the Dr. for my 2 week visit.

So Dr. Lim was awesome, it took some convincing, but he caved on the ultrasound I wanted. I told him it was because Ed was Hydrosypolic and we checked again with Mia towards the end. Why wouldn't we check with Alex? And with that said, I have an ultrasound on the 10th! Wee!

The nurse gave me a boatload of my prenatel vitamins, free samples are great! I haven't paid for these things yet! Alex's heartbeat was 140's, measuring is good, weight is up (boo) but I guess the way I have been eating, that is no surprise. Dr. Lim said I have a very noisy baby. He kept kicked and moving making the heartbeat hard to read.

Alex's head is down, his back is on the right,but close to the top right, with feet around my left side. Oh we have the Hospital tour April 13th, probably the same as it was 2 years ago. But I just wanna go. We have our regular 2 week appointment on the St. Patrick's day.

That day will be insane! 9 am Mia sees her Dr. B, I have an 11 am with Dr. Quell, then I have my Stampin' Up! meeting at Connie's that night. All while my mother in law is having her back surgery!! Gah, what a crazy day!! Oh and that is 2 days after I get back from my seminar in Holland MI and 2 days before my stamp camp, and 4 days before my parents leave for Washington D.C. trip. Phew!

After we met my parents and Susie at Giordonio's for Ed's birthday dinner, then back to our house for presents and cheese cake. Ed is watching his DVD Susie got him, and I am off to bed. Long day, I am sleepy. Night night.

I yuv you

That is what I heard this afternoon. I heard it first, me. The person who has taken care of you 24/7 and gave birth to you. Even though you were mocking me. I heard it. It was so worth every minute of screaming and no sleep. All the tired nights and days. All of these past 21 months were summed up into three words.

I yuv you too Mia Nicole. You are my sunshine.

Quarter. Who needs it more...

Ed was at work, and picked up dinner for a co-worker, Matt. Matt asked how much, Ed said $3 (it was $3.25, but whatever) later Peggy asked Ed how much Matt's dinner was, it looked good and she wanted to go get it too. Ed said $3.25.

Matt then reaches in his pocket for a quarter, and throw the quarter at Ed. Making the comment "Here, you probably need this" Ed just threw the quarter across the room.

Now my sassy mouth would have added the nice comment, about how last time I checked you just had to move to a section 8 apartment building because your house was foreclosed, so maybe you need the quarter more?!? Yes Matthew that is what happens, when drinking and smoking and going out are more important then paying the mortgage. Learn to live within your means. You have a much happier life.

To many people live outside of what they really can afford. Oh please throw another comment our way about family giving us money! If only you knew! We WORK, and we SAVE, and we BUDGET. We eat in 3 meals a day. Learn to grow up, and you just might not be such an asshole. But I doubt that, you and your fiance' are both angry broke ass, shit talkers.

Yes, again I have my own home. Oh and Ed ran to the cafeteria for the whole shift. Not for himself, because we SAVE money by making his dinner, and he takes it to work with him. Hmmm, novel idea... again wasted energy on people that just won't learn.

I will play Lala!

Lala tagged anyone who wanted to play 7 random things, and so shall I. Blog on 7 random things we should know about you...

1. Change. I like it. I love it. I love to rearrange a room every month, I love to change my blog (sometimes twice a week!) I am always moving things around in my house. I love change, it brings on something different, I tend to grow more with change.

2. I have stuff. Clutter, lots of it. Not that I enjoy clutter. I love my stuff. I just get aggravated when my stuff becomes clutter. Right now that is my two favorite rooms, my Loft and my Art room. All my stuff has now become clutter. Gah!

3. I like roses from Ed. BUT only the rare ones. Either yellow with orange tips, or vice verse. Or just orange. Not red or white. Those are over rated.

4. I am very proud of my friends from grade school. Naming, Sara (LA), Dominique (here!), Katie (Texas) and myself. I do believe we are all in a great place in our lives with our growing families. And I am happy that we can all share it together.

5. I love my life, and where I am in it. I am trying to enjoy every second I can, and remember who I am and be proud of myself, no matter what I do.

6. I love to shop for, buy and just look at... office supplies, containers and books. Yes I have an enormous amount of all of them. Never enough to me though...

7. I am hoping that with the birthday kiss off letter, Lila doesn't respond, or finally says good bye to my mom. And we can get over her and her evil ways. Sadly I hope Rich either wakes up and gives my mom one BIG apology, or he too just leaves my mom alone. She has her family now, you both need to go away and stop shitting in my mom's happy cornflakes. But I guess I would hate too, if my sister had two awesome girls, an amazing husband and now retired in a beautiful home with lots of land. One granddaughter and a grandson on the way?!? Duh! I am so lucky to be in, and you are both out!

Sorry got a little crazy on the last one.

What's Up!

Good morning!

Funny I say good morning and it's already 11. Even though my real morning starts at 7 am with Mia and the dogs. I finally get to sit and check my email around 11 everyday.

Here is what is new here, at the snowy McHale residence...

...My IL's bought Mia and Alex's double stroller, the Graco Quattro Tour, in G's Galore. LOVE IT. We ordered it online Sunday, of coarse my style wasn't one they carried. It was here yesterday. Babies-r-us has mad crazy shipping skills!! So I took Mia for a ride around the kitchen and the pool table. She didn't want to get out! We must have done about 20 laps, no lie!
I can't wait to use it. Even before my little man gets here, I will use his seat for storage.

...Friday will be a busy day. We are going to Home Depot to pay and set a date for our carpet to be installed in Alex's room. Then I have a Dr.'s appointment at 2:45 and then we are meeting my parents for dinner in Minooka for Ed's Birthday. Yes 4 weeks later, but that always seems to be the case!

...I have Stamp Camp tonight. Flower Fusion, using these awesome felt flowers from Stampin' Up! you get about 130 in a cute tin, and I will have the class make 4 projects with them. Fun!

...Ed and I picked May 25th for Alex's welcoming party. It will be out at my parents house. I can't wait! Of coarse my mom will have her yard all pimped out, and the inside always looks nice (no pressure mom!) We decided that we were not going to have a shower, since we just had Mia's, but I still wanted to make him a special party. So we are inviting family and friends out. I still registered at Babies-r-us, just for a few things I need for him.

...Ed was awesome yesterday. I had a craving for a Pizza Puff, a cheese dog with ketchup, mustard and onion, a large fry and a root beer. Well Babe's is the closest place we know that has all of that. So Ed ran out to the Babe's on 59 for me. And yes I ate it all. Yummy! (sadly the weenie stand that was about a mile away closed)

...I am in desperate need of two things to be organized before Alex gets here, or I just might freak. My loft is a zoo. Filled with all the paperwork, Stampin' Up! or personal. It's nuts. And I would love to at least get my Art room better organized, and a layout drawn up for my dad. I am so excited about this room and my storage, I just want it done! Yesterday!! But I must be patient. And get my ideas together and that room cleaned up so my dad could actually work in there.

...And I want a garden for this summer. But that's a whole other ball game!

So that's what is up with me... for now...

Holy ShowTime.

BB9. ShowTime After Dark. Yes Ed and I stayed up and watched it. Holy cow. I don't know when I have ever seen so much BB action.

I am not going to go into detail. Let's just say you will see it everywhere tomorrow. At least on the sites, like Dingo's Hamster watch, or We love BB.

Key moments...

• Joshua and the candy thong
• Chelsia and Natalie (I need not say more)
• The pool party
• The hot tub party
• Now they are recaping

If anything it should be all over YouTube. I must go to bed now. Well ShowTime was worth the $$!

Fork me

I am done. I was done 7 hours ago, but I did finish my yummy chicken dinner. My IL's loved it, they bought Alex the lamp that goes with his set, and his stroller too. (that was ordered online)

Right before they got here, I finished up, sweeping and I moped the floors, dusted, unloaded, loaded dishwasher, did 3 loads of laundry. And was sitting down in hopes of lapsing into a coma. Sadly this did not happen.

I was sitting for about 2 pages through my magazine, I need to sit. My back was killing me. I tend to forget there is 26 lbs of baby and fat strapped to the front of me. So I get Mia (who was up for about 1/2 hour playing in her crib) and back on my feet for 5 more hours, gag.

Ed came home right in time to eat, visit with his parents for about 20 minutes, then they left, Ed went off to go into a coma himself (he's worked back to back shifts for 3 days straight now, with 3 hours max in between)

I hung out with Mia, picked up her room (yes still moving on my feet) gave her a bath and off to bed at 7:40 pm. Talked to my mom and dad about dates for stuff, this reqires another post-it note of a list of things I need to go over with Ed. Now I am blogging maybe I will go lay in bed and watch the Oscars... and hopefully pass out...

Pink lint and other misc. stuff.

• I must point out, and I am sure anyone with a little girl can testify. I get a buzz out of the dryer lint when it's all pink from Mia's laundry. I am sure I will have blue laundry lint soon. Maybe a mix and I will get purple lint...
• I am better then I was the other day. I still have the urge to shove spoons up many asses, but less depressed. Just more violent. Fine by me.
• I need to pace myself. I wake up great, and I go, go, go. And at noon I am done. Stick a fork in me done. So I zone out online, blog, visit message boards, watch the hamsters for a while on live feeds. Then I go, go, go again...
• Ed's parents decided they want to buy our double stroller for us. That is awesome! They are bringing it by today! Even cooler! I can't wait to put it together!! So I am making them a big chicken dinner, wee!
• I really wish my brain could type out all the ideas I have. From organizing to lists of things to get done. And then I could just print it out my ass or something...
• I am coming to serious terms that I have to much crap. I know I have said this before. But this is why my house is hard to pick up all the time. Too much stuff = Too much clutter = stress and me CONSTANTLY picking up. Time to pull out the garbage bags again! That Goose Lake garage sale couldn't be close enough!
• Ed and me went through ALL our CD's the other night, we have a 4 inch pile of CD's to burn to our iTunes... that's alot of CD's. Oh then we want to categorize them...
• Oh I have Stamp Camp this Wednesday. I really need to work on that...
• Sophie just took something outside to destroy (I have the back door open, with this great heat wave we are having...) damn you Sophie...
• Yeah, I get my supply order tomorrow!
• I want to draw up the floor plans for my new art room. RIGHT NOW! But there is so much other stuff to do...
• I need a list of things to list... I have lots of post-its all around my desk. I should probably read them...
• Are you still reading this? Thanks. I am going to be productive now, but maybe I should eat lunch first...

Margarita Party

BB9 hamsters won themselves a Margarita Party, which is starting any minute now. It is so fun to watch them scramble when BB announces a lock down. Announced by a loud man's voice saying...
"House guests. This is a lock down. Please go outside. And shut the sliding glass door."

So it's been, about 10 minutes since the announcement, sadly I saw Adam, the ogre naked before he got in the shower. Eww. Then Natalie, was close to naked getting dressed for the party. That was about an 1/8 of any thong I have ever owned! No bra, but she tried to cover herself. With her arm.

Natalie is wearing a teeny tiny blue dress, even though it's kinda chilly outside. I know they are in Cali, but it's still February! So even though some of the girls are in dresses, they are outside wearing hoodies, and blankets. Maybe when the Margaritas come out, they will shed the hoodies and blankets for T.V.

Matty FINALLY came out of the shower. They were closing the lock down door as he came out.

Now it's interesting, they are talking about the BB voice that talks to them. I guess they all thought it was every once in a while. But they said it's all the time! Anything from, "Sharon, go to the storage room and replace your batteries" (for there mics) or "Joshua, please put on your microphone" or "Amanda, stop doing that" (when they are screwing around) or "Please stop singing" and the usual "Natalie, please go to the diary room"

So they do talk to them a lot. I hear it on the 24/7 feeds. Now it's boring, they are waiting for there Margarita's. I am thinking they are setting it up inside, so that is why they are all stuck outside. I am sure they are getting it all set, so when "After Dark" comes on ShowTime, they are happy, buzzed and ready to entertain us.

So maybe I will hang out and watch my feeds for a while. Long day and I am pooped, it's only 8:32 pm...zzzz...

You don't get me.

No one gets me. I guess I don't get me.

I don't want to talk about it. I barely want to blog about it. But I think I will feel better if I do.

I am SO tired of being pregnant. I am normally happy and energetic. I am now sluggish and depressed or psycho bitchy.

I am truly tired of people NOT getting that my HORMONES are FUCKED UP. I can NOT control my mood swings. So if I cry for 20 minutes or I freak out and scream at the dog until I piss myself. Please don't get mad at me. It makes me worse.

It sucks that some people pretend to get me, or just humor me. But I guess for there safety and my sanity that is fine. Pretend that it's all fine. Whatever.

I am pissy, angry, moody, depressed, tired, lethargic, unable to make a normal decisions to save my life. My anxiety goes through the roof at just a simple bark or a "Ma". This whole pregnancy was just like Mia's, but now I don't remember being so mentally fucked with hers.

The best part is, no one gets it. Most of the time it's an excuse that I am making up. Like I enjoy being a spaz. Or freaking over nothing. NOT! Yes let me give myself Braxtons, because those are so enjoyable, and when I scream and yell, I get them. But I must do it because I want to?!? No because I can't control myself from yelling and screaming. That is usually the calmer of me. The real spaz ass, probably would have broken or thrown something.

I really think I am going to say fuck the whole breastfeeding thing. Because I know that was the main stress of my Post Partum Depression I had with Mia. I am so OVER being depressed. This shit is annoying. I want to be happy, but it's not easy when people around me are sad, or depressed. Or angry because I am sad or depressed. Maybe I just need some fucking empathy.

Uh oh, there she goes using the word Empathy, I should just say sympathy. Whichever. I don't get either. Pitty Party for one please.

I am tired of ALWAYS being the empathetic one. Well guess what, now I feel sorry for...

JACKI. and JACKI only. Leave me alone. Don't care who said what, don't care who doesn't want to talk to me anymore, DO NOT CARE.

LEAVE ME ALONE. If I want to cry and boo hoo my own pity party for the next few days I will. Or maybe just this post will do it.

Either way, I don't care, I don't wanna talk about it. PLEASE DON'T ASK ME. I don't want your pity, empathy, sympathy, or stories about how much you care. It just seems to make me feel shittier. Don't ask I don't get it either. Just fair warning.

The only person I want to talk to about it. Is mad because they don't get me. Read a friggin' book. Google it. I am sure there is something online about it.

It's called...I AM PREGNANT. I CAN NOT CONTROL WHAT I FEEL. MY MOUTH FILTER IS BROKEN. Yes I am a dramatic spaz all the time, pregnant or not. BUT I can and have controled myself. Now I can not.

So please don't shit in my cornflakes, I will probably take the bowl, dump it over your head, and then beat you with the bowl, and shove the spoon up your ass.

If only you would take the time to understand me. You seem to understand when people are physical sick. Why not mentally? Why not me? It's too bad I say I'm sorry, for being the way I am. I shouldn't be sorry. It's not my fault. I just need a fucking hug from you. And a soothing voice. Maybe some ice cream and a time out too.

Oh well. I don't ask for much, I don't have a nanny, housekeeper, or money. I just want to be understood. I guess that is too much to ask. Sorry. Again.

Amanda on BB9

So come to find out that she was taken to the ER, they have a panic button in case of emergency, to find out that she ate a peanut durring the veto comp. and had an allergic reaction.

BTW spoiler...the winners of the Veto are Sharon and Joshua. Matty is annoying and incosiderate. Adam is a follower, and a dork, trying to be a hard ass like Matty.

Anywho, now they are eating dinner. Minus Amanda. From what I get she is on slop. Probably getting a pass of some sort, so she can eat and get back to normal.

I think I have my winner...I think...

Bizarre, yes. Only because if you have been on any of my 4 shopping trips to check out double strollers. The above Gracco Quattro Tour was not one of the ones I was going to get.

Sigh, after hours, yes hours of staring at the comments and reviews. Going from one site to the next, talking to moms online. Double checking prices and coupons. This I do think is my winner.

There was another Gracco, the DuoGlider. It is 4 lbs lighter, and $80 cheaper. But from what I read the fold up is not as compact, the trays drag on the ground when you fold it, and many say it is cheaply made. See picture below... I also liked this one in the black, but it is not available in stores, and now not available online, until further notice... so I would have to get this one... eh...

The Quattro Tour got rave reviews, they loved the open front seat, where Mia will sit, they loved the parent trays and the underside organizer. Just like my single stroller but now double. I guess the infant car seat we have from her single Gracco will fit great with this one, but to snug of a fit with the DuoGlidder. I also like the Quattro Tour pattern too, called G Galore. Fun, covered in G's for Gracco.

But I swear if I stare at these two anymore I am going to freak. Gah! This is insane! I can't decide anything anymore!! Alex has eaten all of my leftover brain cells that Mia didn't!!

Tour, Duo, Tour, Duo, Tour, Duo... maybe a different brand...no Gracco...Tour, Duo, Tour, Duo... To be cont.

Spell Check

Well after a few weeks of my shitty spelling, I am glad to see my little ABC check mark is working again. I guess enough of us told Blogger. Yeah spell check!

Hypoglycemic

Watching my 24/7 live feed as I always do. I have never really cried at it, since I never seem to catch much but dinner, and sleeping.

Tonight was different. Amanda, who is Hypoglycemic (I am sure I spelled that wrong) fainted, then woke going into convulsions. I can only imagine if her family was watching, they all were yelling at the DR (diary room) to open and to have a medic come in.

Then it went to trivia for me. And it hasn't come back since.

I have it where my blood sugar gets low, and I get shaky, sick and dizzy. I hope she is ok... I will update when I know more...

Moo cont.

Continued from my earlier post about my lovely tax visit. Me and Ed were confused as to why people dread doing there taxes. We actually enjoy this day. It's our little Christmas.

Well we also don't do them, we have a tax lady in Oak Park, $60 fee, but so worth it. She really knows her stuff to claim! After all was said and done and after the penalty I had from my IRA that I closed (I did have them hold 25% before)

So we still made good money, plus we found out that we will get the government bonus somewhere between June and September, depending on social security numbers, is when you get your refund.

AND rumor has it at the end of the year we will be getting a $300 per kid bonus too. But that is just rumors I have heard.

But no fun shopping, over half is going to Ed's retirement fund, but that is the responsible thing to do. And the other part is going to Alex's carpet, stroller and whatever else is needed.

Still fun getting monies though!

Yeah boy! Going to see what our little cash cow has brought us this year... last year, since it was our first tax return with Mia. We both cried, no lie when we were told the amount by our tax lady.

So hoping this year is just as nice! Oh, can't wait until next year with 2 cash cows! Mooooo!

BB9 spoilers

Last warning, if you don't want to know before tonights show, stop reading this post...

Ok then. Drama out the ying yang!

Veto winners = Matt and Natalie, and they decited not to use it on either Jen/Parker or Ryan/Allison.

My person vote is for Ryan/Allison to go. Ryan is a nice guy, but BORING as hell to watch on feeds. Zzzzz. Allison and her made up "Lesbian Alliance" with Shelia is lame too.

Allison is SO annoying, she constantly talks herself up, and spent a great deal of time last night, trying to convince people she didn't make a lot of money (that is the pity line every year for everyone, that they aren't rolling in $$ so they should stay) well since her "real" job is a Professional Gambler, I am sure her greed for the $$ is pretty high. Whatever, she in general annoys me. AND she can't stop talking shit about Ryan. So even if they do stay, what kind of partner is she?

Amanda and Joshuah staged a fight last night. I watched it. So bad, maybe if she wasn't laughing the whole time we might have believed her. But it ended with what looked like her pushing Joshuah into the pool. Some of the people not really watching but listening really believed at first they were fighting. Over rated.

Jen and Ryan are now allowed via CBS to sleep in the same bed. I think they need the ratings, I agree with http://www.hamsterwatch.com/ that when they have it on with American Idol they will have ratings issues. I am not an AI fan but I do believe there are many out there!

Even though Parker was walking around the yard on Monday flipping of all the camera's he is still putting up a good fight to stay. Hope he does, and I hope for his sake sometime soon, they rearange the pairs or make them singles. He got so hosed with Jen. Her mouth is huge, but otherwise I kinda like her.

I really have to say that Chelsia and James are my favorite pair to date. They both on seperate time are good hamsters, make good t.v. and fight with others well. I mean they don't back down, but they are not hysterical criers (Amanda)

There are then the unmentioned. Because I forget they are there, Boston boys Alex and Matty, they are around a lot, but there girls Amanda and Natalie are SO taking the spotlight. Adam, aka Shreik is just as boring as Ryan, but Ryan gets mentions because he is paired with a spaz and getting action from Jen. Sharon, was brought back from extinction but just because Joshuah didn't want her ex Justin. She annoys me too. Her face and voice. Again sad that these people are partnered with people I would like to see around.

I did mention Shelia with her faux "Lesbian Alliance" with Allison, eh, she's ok, better now that her and Adam just don't really talk. She could go far, as long as her and Adam play nice and stop the drama fighting.

Oh last night I sadly didn't get to see, they put boxing gloves in the storage room. And they took turns having boxing matches. Way to go Jen on punching Amanda in the face. Even if it did mean you lost by penalty (there own rules)

So my guess for tonight is Jen/Parker going home. The last few days has been pretty across the board with everyone. Hoping Allison fucks it up and starts shit, maybe she will go. Doubtful. Damn.

They haven't show the food comp, yet. Don't know when that will be. Don't forget to watch tonight! Live eviction shoud be a good show. I won't see much on the feeds, they will be spending most of the day, with flames. Since they need to prep them for the show, and set up the HOH comp. in the back yard I assume. But afterwards will be good feeds! Can't wait to see who wins this weeks HOH!

Opposites Attract

Ed took his girls for a McDonalds date this morning. Very nice. The new McD's they built right by my house always plays fun 80's music.

So when "Opposites Attract" with Paula Abdul and M.C. Scat Kat came on. Ed knew the whole M.C. Scat Kat lyrics and sang them to Mia and me! Too cute!

It's rare that we get times like this just us 3 hanging out. I try to enjoy every minute that I can, I can't wait until it's the 4 of us!

Alex's room and the paint drama

Feb. 7th, (Ed's birthday) I made a run to Ace Hardware to get paint for Alex's room. Light tan, and chocolate brown. His room is only 11x12, with 2 closets with bifold doors, each 4x6, a large 5x5 window, and of coarse the door to get in.

Ed and I think we only need a quart of each. (note they do not make 1/2 gallons. That would be the intelegent thing to sell, when you don't need a full gallon, but more than a quart?!)

Sadly I only get so far, and realize I will need more paint. Especially the tan, since we have now decited to paint the whole inside of the closet too.

Here is the drama on the paint. My parents wanted to buy the paint for Alex's room. So my dad goes to Menards. Because he is a Menards groupie. Using the little quarts I had to match (since I already started to paint. Makes sense to match the paint, and not the border)

Menards could NOT match my chocolate, or tan (but I didn't open my tan yet so no matter) Well then my dad takes the chocolate back to Menards to get it re-dyed. They can't match it. So he goes home with his no match chocolate paint.

The next day (yesterday) he breaks down and goes to my Ace Hardware to get paint. Since they should be able to match the paint I just bought a wee ago right?

Dad: I need this chocolate paint in a gallon. Can you match it?

17 year old Paint Barista: Sure. (she then mixes and does the whole dry test on the lid. Low and behold there is NO match)

Dad: That dosen't match.

17 year old Paint Barista: Well, where did the paint come from?

Dad: The can?

17 year old Paint Barista: Ok, well that paint didn't come from that can. Maybe your daughter, re-dyed it. Or maybe it's different paint.

Dad: No she bought it last week. Opened it, painted with it. Now I am here, same store, to get more.

17 year old Paint Barista: Well that formula is for a quart. It won't be the same for a gallon

Dad: (no shit. in his head) Well can't you times the formula by 4. Since there are 4 quarts to a gallon?

17 year old Paint Barista: It's not that easy.

Dad: So if this paint, is not the same as the color test, originally put on there. Then as long as the quart and the gallon match. Then is should be good. Right?

17 year old Paint Barista: Yep. The two paints match. Not sure where that first dry test came from though.

Dad: (leaves store)

So my dad continues to come to my house. We dry test the paints. No match. Sigh, I then take my big pregnant ass. A gallon of paint, a quart of paint back to Ace Hardware, unhapppy. To find 2 managers and the 17 year old Paint Barista there.

Long story short. They tried again with a new gallon of paint. This time using the border that I brought. My only issue with the damn quart HAVING to match. Is because I already started to paint. Otherwise, whatever.

So the manager, then points out that I can paint over the darker wall. Since the color is not that different. Good god, that's all someone had to tell me!!

By the way. The Menards paint, was the same as the Ace Hardware gallon paint. (Dad was able to sell his Oops paint to Patsy and Dave)

Anywho, Alex's room is painted. Yeah!! Me and my dad killed it in 2 days.

Done on list:
Paint
Closet doors are on
Blinds were cleaned and back up
Closet Light Bulbs are changed and globes cleaned

Not done on list:
Buy and Hang ceiling fan
Rip out pissed, barfed and decomposed turtle remains carpet out
Treat floor for stains
Pick out and have installed new carpet
Cut down Alex's bedroom door (off just a little, dad to do)
Hang border
Have dad build Mia's bed so Alex can have her crib

I think that is what all needs to be done in his room... then there is the swing to clean and re-assamble, the bouncer, move the changing tables around, set up the bassinet in my room...

Full conversation

Today, I do believe I had my first full conversation with Mia.

Something along the lines of...

Momma: Mi, eat?

Mia: Eat! (with sign for eat)

Momma: Go downstairs, to eat, ok?

Mia: K. Oh! Burt. Ewrnie

Momma: OK go get Bert and Ernie.
(Mia then runs to her room to get Bert and Ernie. Arrives with Bert, Ernie, and Cookie)

Mia: (Holds out Cookie) Cookie... Burt, Ewrnie, eat.

Momma: ok. Let's go. (Mia throws arms with Bert, Ernie, and Cookie up to me.)

So that is how our trip to breakfast is everyday. It just seemed like today was a full conversation, more often through out the day. I read that at 20 months I should be able to understand more then 50% of what she is saying. You may not. But being her social life, I have to say we communicate well.

Let's remember that in 14 years when she is the sassy teenager, and I am the physco mom. I am reminding myself to enjoy these conversations...

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day to all my blog readers. I am happy to say I woke up to a dozen orange roses (my fav. color roses) and a card from Ed and Mia, that told me to look in the freezer.

Wee! Snickers Ice Cream Bars!! I got Ed a card, and a magazine he likes. Nothing crazy, just a little love from one to another!

Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day, and enjoy the ones you love.

xo...

My butt hurts...

I am Rh-negative. I have a regular blood type, just like everyone else. The Rh-negative part means that being Rh-negative I don't have a certain protein ("D antigen," or the Rh factor) on the surface of my red blood cells.

So, if you're Rh-negative and carrying a baby who is Rh-positive (like the baby’s father), your immune system, which fights off invaders to keep you healthy, will recognize your baby's Rh-positive red blood cells as foreign to your Rh-negative blood and will begin producing antibodies intended to destroy your baby's blood cells. (kinda scary?!?)

Which means for centuries, women with Rh-negative blood experienced the heartbreak of mysteriously losing baby after baby to a condition known as Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, or HDN. Many of these women gave birth to a healthy first child, only to experience subsequent pregnancies that ended in miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth to babies with anemia, jaundice or other serious health problems.

So lucky me, they have a shot for me. And I got to bend over the exam table and this nice nurse stabbed my ass. That hurt, and it was very hot. But it's all for the health of my little man. And so our blood dosen't start to fight! Keep the peace!!

Doctor Visit update...

So, Alex and I went to the Dr. yesterday. My usually monthly exam. His heartbeat was good and strong. Too cute, he kept kicking the little mic. the doctor had over my belly!

I asked for a new due date. I swear the first day of my last period was around July 15th, that puts me at April 26th. NOT May 2nd. Yes it may be a week to some, but my mommy friends know what one extra day is, but a week? So he said no new due date, but he will probably be a week early anyway?!

I sadly found out we will not be getting another ultrasound. Boo. BUT I do see 2 doctors on my rotation, SO I will be asking Dr. Lim the same questions. Since I have noticed they don't really read the charts, or converse with each other about patients.

We will see! AND fun news, I am now to the point of seeing my Dr.'s every 2 weeks! Wee, that was fast. So now I go again at the end of February.

He said Alex is getting big (bad news for my no tearing goal)

Also I got a shot in my butt I will blog seperate about that.

Positive

POSITIVE because:

1. Complaining doesn't change my circumstances 99.9% of the time.

2. Misery loves company and that's not the company I want to keep.

3. By focusing on what I have, I am more apt to be thankful. I have soooo much to be thankful for.

4. Positivity attracts people, negativity does not (or at least it does not attract the type of people I want around).

5. It makes me happy. And I want to be happy. I believe happiness is a choice, no matter what the circumstances.

Take it or leave it. I think these are 5 good strong points as to why we should be happy and positive. Things do suck right now, one way or another. Be it money, family, or just ourselves, but if you look at the positive, as little as there may be. You just might have a better day.

Get happy damn it!!

I don't wanna...

I just want to do nothing.

I don't want to...

Check the mail, work on stamp projects, go get paint, tape more of Alex's room, organize, pick up, do laundry, wash dishes.

Nothing.

I am one big pissy ass pitty party, I am tired of being pregnant, I am tired of all this fucking cold. I would rather have snow and 30 degrees warmer. This negative or a whole 8 degrees blows.

I am tired of Ed ALWAYS working, I miss him. I wish he had more down time, for himself and his family. Piss on the people who can have down time. I am jelous. I want time with my Ed. Not fair.

Again pitty party for one here. I am going to go poke at my class projects for Wednesday. Rawr.

Maniac Monday

In honor of V-Day this week, here are the Maniac Monday questions...

What is the most romantic movie that you've ever seen?
I like "Return to Me" with Minnie Driver. That one is good


If you could be the lover of any person alive other than your current lover, who would you pick?
Sorry to be lame on this question. I really don't think I would want to have anyone but Ed.

What scents remind you of a loved one?
This one might be wierd, but when I smell fresh lumber, I think of my dad. What can I say he's a retired labor. He always came home smelling like construction, lumber and outside.

5 pm was a wonder time today

I must say, that after a no naping baby/lonely barking dogs/In Laws dropping by/Husband just came home and wants to eat kind of day.

5:00p pm rolled around, Mia is looking like a zombie, Ed is tired too. The dogs are down for a nap, and my IL's just stopped by for a quick hello and were gone already.

They all went to sleep. OH MY GOD! I LOVE IT!!

Ed off to bed before going to work OT at his night job.

Mia finally decides that it is time to sleep.

I was so excited I almost couldn't contain myself. So I just to a 1 hour, hot bath and read my parenting magazine. (see even when I am relaxing, I am working)

Just out, pruny and relaxed! Now off to the art room, to work on class projects and meeting swaps and shoe box swaps... Bye!!

2 Days

We officially have a little more than 2 days for BB9 to start. (see ticker at bottom of this screen) I just made sure that my RealPlayer was all set up, password was correct, and my Media Browser was all good to go for my 24/7 live feed.

All set. I was crusing around in my SuperPass from RealPlayer. There is SO much stuff I get extra. One of these days, when I am bored I will watch all the extras. There are behind the scenes shows of Lost, Grey's, Survivor and a bunch more, but those are my favorites.

Plus all the BB blogs that the HOH writes are posted here too. If you would like a fun site to check out go to either http://www.hamsterwatch.com/ or to http://www.welovebigbrother.com/ both are good sources of BB updates and spoilers.

It is a totally different show when you watch the 24/7 feeds. It is SO different then the show they air 3 times a week. Obviously they have time to edit and rearange the clips they show.

BUT on 24/7 you do NOT get to see Veto, Food or Luxury comps. Or when the show is Live on TV the 24/7 feeds are off too. So it's not really 24/7, more like 23/5 when you notice all the down time. AND if the house guests sing, they also cut live feed. ANNOYING!

Anywho, I am obsesive and I know this. Can't wait!!

Like a champ

You know when I don't think I have room for more food. I do.

I ate like a champ today. Well Alex and I did. My mom made breakfast, mine consisted of...

3 sunny side up eggs
3 pieces of wheat toast, buttered
3 sasauge links
2 helpings of fried potato slices
1 slice of french toast
blue berries and cantalope
1 glass of OJ
1 cup of coffee

What can I say, my mom likes to cook, and I like to eat!!

Cricut Expressions

This is what Ed got me for Christmas. I was so freaking excited!! I didn't ask for one, but I was excited about it when we were watching an infomercial on it one day. So yesterday my local scrapbook store had a "Cricut Swarm" which was a class, that taught us the basics of how to use our Cricuts. Then we cropped for a few hours.

This thing is so cool! I can't wait until my dad sets up my art room, I want a spot just for my Cricut so I never have to put it away, it can always be out! Hopefully this will get me to scrap more!!

Effing Cold, doesn't even start to explain it.

This is for all you warm climate readers out there. It is cold here. This is cold. Not your little, oh its chilly and 35 even 25 would be great!

That would be an effing heat wave here in the midwest. Tempature -1. Ehh, not to bad. But wait, there is more! The wind which is insane, not little gusts of wind. Like 35-40 mph wind, and so that makes your -1 degrees, turn into -30 degrees. And yes that is a negative sign in front of the 30.

I did have to go out to my parents this morning, they watched Mi, for us. And I went to have a yummy breakfast and to bring home my baby. Amusing, she was bundled in her snowsuit, in the carseat, under a blanket. We don't mess around.

Brrr...

Falcore

Falcore is the name of the dragon luck dog on Never Ending Story. This is for Jen. Your welcome.

This picture gave me the giggles.

Somedays it's like this. Somedays I am wonder woman.

Today, I was wonder woman. o.k. maybe the coffee buzz helped. I was insane this morning!!

Up before the baby, blogged. 8:30 am
Ironed Ed's clothes for video store job. He showered and off to work. 9:30 am
Got Mia out of bed, changed her, made her eggs and juice for breakfast.
She watched Sesame Street, I emptied and reloaded the dishwasher.
Fed the dogs, cats, and brought Mia up for her late morning nap. 11 am

Durring Mia's nap, I went to my art room, made up two more projects for Wednesday's class.
Laid down for a 10 minute nap (I can only do so much before I crash)
Customer, Cimmi, came by to pick up her catalog and coupons. 1pm
Mia's up. Fed Mia lunch, dogs outside for 2 hours, Mia and me to the art room to work some more. Another project done. And packed for tomorrows crop day at the scrapbook store.

Ed called, he is on his way home from work. 3:40 pm. I made a grilled sandwich, pickles and pringles for lunch. Mia ate/wore spaghettio's and pringles. Then we enjoyed some snickers ice cream cake.
Ed is off to the couch in the basement to sleep (he likes it there better) with the dogs. Mia and I went up stairs. Mia wanted to take another nap. Down for 1 hour. 6pm now.
Mia assists me by playing in Alex's room, I taped the floor, window, door, and closets. Brought up all necessary paint supplies.
That only lasted about 30 minutes. Mia got in the tub, she stayed there for an hour and a half! I was able to fold 3 loads of laundry, while we where in the bathroom.

Mia off to bed afterwards, I made Ed's dinner, pork chops and steamed broccoli. Packed it up to go. Made myself a sad dinner of nacho's. Watched t.v. and ate for about 30 minutes. Cleaned up my dishes, went down to the basement to wake up Ed. 9:10 pm to get ready for his night job.

Bring up any dishes Ed had in the basement. Pick up so the dogs can sleep down there tonight. Go upstairs, take all the toys out of the tub, put them away, make sure Ed has a clean towel, he showers, I go downstairs. Make sure he has the iPod, cell, keys, watch and ring. Shoes are laid out with coat.
(lots of little steps that I do for him, make him able to sleep until 20 minutes before he has to walk out the door)

Ed is gone. (boo) I obsesivly check the garage one more time, lock the door. Re-check the back door (always locked) dogs down for bed. Make list of what I need to do for tomorrow. Head up to bed, checking the frontdoor to be locked. Plop my ass here to blog, before I am off to sleep.

Any questions on what I do all day?!? This is why I will then need a whole day of the above cartoon to re-energize myself.

3 Questions for you...

If you could have a servant come to your house every day for one hour, what would you have them do?
Give me a massage. I would have a masuse for a servent.

Has your life ever been changed by an apparently random occurrence?
I would have to say, when my mom was talking with a friend, Sharon, and my mom brought up that I was looking for a full time job. Sharon suggested Empress Casino as a cashier.

Without that conversation, I probably wouldn't have ever thought about working there. Nor would have I met my best friend Jen, and my bestfriend and love of my life, Ed.

I probably would have stayed with my Ex at the time, and gotten engaged, a year later like he had planned.

Scary huh?!

You're having dinner with several friends and acquaintances. They all criticize a close friend of yours (not knowing he/she is a friend). The criticism is unjustified. What would you do?
I would stay quiet until the end of the conversation, and then when the timing is right. I would say, yes I am very close to that person. Set the story straight, and move onto a new subject.

The dinner guests would hopefully get the point, not to talk shit about people. Especially if you don't know all there friends. Fell bad for talking about the person, or just realize not to do it in my company.

3 questions to ponder yourself...

Is there anything to serious to joke about? If so, what falls into that category for you?
I pretty much joke about anything. But I am not big on racial jokes. I just don't get them. I also don't laugh when people make fun of other peoples features, like teeth, eyes, skin... I have too many flaws myself to make fun of it on others.


Would you rather be a tortured genius or a happy simple-minded person? Why?
Happy simple-minded person of coarse! That is what I already am!


A dear friend or family member has a terminal illness and is in agony. He/she wants you to help him/her die. What would you do?
I wouldn't help them, but if there was no more cure, and the agony was too much. I would not get in the way of it.

Early morning post on sleep, and nudists.

So it is 8:47 am, not too early. But since I have been up (Mia isn't screaming for me yet) I had to iron and get Ed's things together for work today.

I never, have a morning where I am the first and only one up for a 1/2 hour. Wee! So I wanted to blog really quick. Suprisingly I am pretty awake, I COULD not sleep and watched TV until after 1 am. Bad idea, when toddler starts to scream early! But I got really good sleep, with pee breaks at 4:12 am, 5:18 am, and 6:42 am (when Ed come home and up to bed). And I woke up on my own at 8:14 am.

Since I spoke to soon, my dear daugther is again enjoying her new found loudness. And since Ed only has 9 more minutes to sleep before a 6 hour shift (he did have that whole 2 hour and 15 minute nap since his 8 hour shift last night) I should go get my princess.

Wondering if she will be as naked as I found her yesterday. Yes folks, she is to the stage where clothes are optional. I am so glad she chose winter to pick up this hobby. Nothing like a cute teeth chattering nudist running around...

Thursday 13

Here are 13 random things you need to know about me. I say so.

1. I love animals. I love the zoo, aquariums, and nature. I always wanted to be a Zoologist, sadly it is way to much school and I just can't hack it. Maybe someday when the kids are grown. I can vollenteer.

2. I love containers. All kinds, More like storage containers, small ones, medium ones, big ones. That is where most of my clutter is. Just empty containers.

3. I love to take pictures. Another dream job, combined with #1 here, was to be a photographer for National Geographics. Now I just photograph my own zoo here at home.

4. I love Garage Sales. I love to go to them. There is so much stuff you can get at them, crazy cheap. Clothes, furniture, more stuff to fill my house with...

5. I love Art. I have SO many supplies for so many different kinds of art. I just wish I could lock myself away and play all the time. I have, painting (oil, water color, acrylic) drawing, (sketching, charcoal, cartoons, still life, pastels, colored pencil) clay (oven bake, air dry, molding) paper mache' (dryer lint or newspaper) sewing machine, scrapbooking, Stampin' Up!, beading, pipe cleaners...just to name a few...

6. I love my yard. Again with nature, I just again wish I had the time to garden more, and no crazy retarded dogs to pull it all up. So I can only garden in the front. Maybe I will work on getting my big pond this year...

7. I love to talk. No really? I do, I can talk about just anything. I get so lonely durring the day when Ed and Mia are sleeping. I should be productive then, I am getting better. I just got a headset for my cordless phone. So I can multitask and talk to Jen for 3 hours at a time!

8. I love to be the center of attention. Not in the cocky way. But if you need a vollenteer to talk in front of a group, or to tell a story. I am your girl!

9. I love to be me. I really do. Sometimes I am not the best "me" I can be, when I get angry. But I am learning with a quick time out. (laugh if you want, but they work for me) I can be back to a happy good me in no time! I love that I am outgoing, blunt, funny, sarcastic, fiesty, and optomistic.

10. I love my family. Meaning MY family. The people that are real to me, that don't suck ass or pretend, or go through the motions. (read back on "Don't talk about my momma blog") I just wish more people would be honest. Don't like me, please stop wasting my time. So here's to Ed, Mia, Alex, all my fuzzy kids, Mom, Dad, Susie, Diane and Joe. And my extended sisters Alicia and Jen. Thanks for being my family.

11. I love to be blonde. I SO miss it. this poo brown hair, I am SO over it!! Hoping next color in March when I go back, I can really get more blonde!! It's a part of me that I miss. It's my signature. It's like it was my energy.

12. I love to read. Add it to my hobbies, I know I have a few. Especially Dean Koontz books! Way better then Stephen King. Sark is another one I love. Very artsy and inspirational. And now I have been into the organizing books. Peter Walsh is my god.

13. I love to drink water. Wierd. My dad is impressed, he said so himself. That I like to drink water. I know being pregnant I really need to drink a LOT of water, but even when I am not, I enjoy water the most. Sometimes I get a little crazy and add those little flavor packs to a bottle. But I can drink water all the time. Which will be good for me, when I am trying to drop baby weight this spring/summer/fall/winter...forever...

Yeah! Happy Thursday 13. It is late, I must go get my beauty rest. (between the pee breaks...)

Twins? Yesterday? Uncomfortable?

Right. If I hear any of the above again, I am going to scream.

No there are not twins in here. Oh really your a mom too. And you had the balls to ask me that? How nice of you.

Due yesterday? No ass tart, May. And oh the reaction I get from the fact that I still have 3 months and I am the size of a house. I AM 5 FEET TALL. Where did you want to put all this baby?!?

Uncomfortable? No shit. Let me strap 27 lbs to the front of you, squeeze the shit out of your bladder, shove some legs up your rib cage, squish your lungs so you can't breathe. Oh and the other funness (yes that is a new word) of being blurry eyed in my right eye, sometimes, braxton hicks contracts suck already, charlie horses every morning, numbness in my arms, bloody noses, itchy belly, who knows what my legs look like, the peeing every 2 hours at night, the cotton mouth really sucks, oh and don't forget my favorite "sneeze and a miss" that's when we sneeze and piss ourselves. So um yeah, I'm uncomfortable.

Don't even get me started on the mood swings. The whole, non empathetic people, who just think I am dramatic. I AM PREGNANT, and my hormones are insanly out of wack. But god forbid. It's probably just an excuse to be a bitch. So be it. Rawr it is. Enjoy it, because I probably won't be "normal" Jacki until August.

And yes I do believe that there is 4 trimesters. Not 3. It takes a good 3 more months after the baby is born. To get myself back somewhat, physically. And mentally is just as crazy, from just adjusting that you just gave birth to a HUMAN being. And you have to take care of it, listen to everyone's advise, wanting it or not. And be supermom. Yes post partum is real, I had it. I don't want it again. Just not something you can turn off.

You just need sympathetic, empathetic, and compassionite people around you. Good luck.

I am so over this. Let's get this show on a road! It's going to be a long winter, so brace yourselves. I am one big ball of sarcastic sunshine.

Ace in the hole

I went today border in hand. To Ace Hardware to match Alex's paint for his room. The guy did an amazing job of matching it. I know the machine does it. But it looks perfect with the border.

His room is so much smaller then Mia's room (sorry little guy, first come first serve) especially when it comes to painting it. The room is 11 x12. One wall that is 12 feet has two bifold closets on it. That is 8 feet of wall not there. Another wall that is 11 feet has a 5x5 window on it. Not counting the wall that has the main entry door on it. This also limits my options for furniture placement.

We have, one tall dresser (from Ed's Gramma McHale, matching the long one in Mi's room) Mia's crib will go to him, my rocker will go there, and the changing table from Mi's room. (she will get the bigger one I am currently using for storage in her closet) And I will put the chase chair from the loft into her room to replace the rocker.

I think it will take me longer to tape off the whole room, windows and doors, and about 2 minutes to paint it. Can't wait to see it done!!

Survivor, Lost and America's Best Dance Crew

Whew, today was not only Ed's birthday but a very busy T.V. night.

At 7pm Survivor Micronesia season started. Good to watch, supprised that Johnny Fairplay was the first to go. I really thought he was screwing with people. At first I was a fan of the favorites, only because I know them better, but after I got a good look at the cast. And I got to know the Favorites better, I really think I am rooting for the Favorites. (But I still am a fan of Ozzy) it is early in the season who knows!

Lost. Gah! What can I say, just when you think you've got the plot they throw in 4 more people, everyone else on earth just found the plane and all the drowned passengers of Oceanic flight 815, saying NO one survived. When in fact 40 something are on the island. To crazy, but so good. Can't wait till next week!!

America's Best Dance Crew, is by Randy Jackson (from American Idol) this is his show on MTV, the casting of the dance crews was great. But it was on when Ed is getting ready for work, so I would rather hang out with him for a few more minutes, and I will catch it on the famous MTV reruns.

So my new T.V. schedule is crazy!! Sunday is Rock of Love 2 (I think) Tuesday is Big Brother 9 (CANT WAIT!!!) Wednesday is the Gauntlet III on MTV, Thursday is Big Brother 9, Survivor, Lost and America's Best Dance Crew, and Saturday is Big Brother 9. Not to mention I will have my 24/7 live feed going of BB9 on as much as possible!!

Holy T.V. shows batman!!

Happy Birthday Ed

Happy Birthday to my baby daddy, husband of 6 1/2 years, and best friend of 9 years. We had a hot date today of doing nothing, per Ed's request. We just hung around the house, he opened his presents, ate leftovers.

Not exactly my birthday wishes, but not my day either. Saturday will be better for him. I will be gone at a 7 hour Cricut class and crop at the local scrapbook store. Mia will be wisked away by Gigi and Papa early that day. So that leaves Ed and his dogs to enjoy the day alone.

And since she is staying over at Gigi and Papa's I can come home from my class/crop and hang out with Ed!! Weee!!

Again Happy 32nd Birthday Eddie Spoghetti!! Much love, Jacki

Thursday's top 10 ways to overcome Procrastination

When a person is bored or UNINTERESTED, certain tasks and projects can seem like torture! This feeling usually leads to procrastination, and procrastination often leads to GUILT. Here are some practical ways to avoid these situations and overcome procrastination:


RECHARGE DAILY- Procrastination can often be caused (or exacerbated by) a feeling of being drained and listless. Be sure to get enough sleep and rest each day so that you have the necessary ENERGY you need to accomplish your tasks.
~I agree with this, if I get crappy sleep, I am a zombie until about 1 or 2 in the afternoon.


GET A FRIEND INVOLVEDIt's harder to procrastinate when another person is involved. If you have a task you aren't looking forward to, invite a friend over to help you out. If you have errands to run, find a buddy who you can run errands with. Just having an ACCOUNTABILITY partner can make all the difference in the world.
~Can we say Jen and me getting together each month to work on projects. I do this one when I can

REWARD YOURSELFYou're much more likely to complete that boring task if there is a dinner out or a new compact disc waiting for you when (and only when) the task is complete. We often forget that we respond better to a POSITIVE enticement to get things done. Instead of using a whip, why not try a carrot?
~My carrot is the internet. I have a new routine the last few weeks. I don't allow myself to go online, until breakfast is done, kitchen is cleaned, maybe a load of laundry is in, and Mia is down for her morning nap. Then I can go relax by my internet, check my sites. But I have to set a timer, for an hour. To go get the laundry, empty the dishwasher, eat lunch (yes I forget to eat lunch too)


DO THINGS IN PIECESProcrastination often comes from feelings of OVERWHELM. Break tasks, even small ones, into STEPS so that they are manageable and provide you with a sense of direction.
~I so love this one. Sometimes a project is just to much for me to mental and physicaly handle at once. I sort things into piles and go throught them a pile or a basket at a time. Much less painful

USE MUSIC- Turn on some fun and UPBEAT music and let it pump you up! 80s music and showtunes are often great pick-me-ups that will give you needed energy to tackle your tasks.
~Yes! I either wear my iPod or put my iTunes on the computer while I am cleaning.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE- Don't be afraid to balance routine or MONOTONOUS tasks with something that is more likely to hold your interest. You can pay bills while you watch television, or talk on the phone while cleaning up the house.
~Jen on phone = Laundry folded, dishes done.

DELEGATEDo you find yourself procrastinating on chores at home like cleaning and laundry? Or maybe paperwork at the office? Delegate them! Kids, cleaning people, laundry services, administrative assistants and more are all available to take some of those BORING tasks off your list and free up your time for the stuff you'd RATHER be doing.
~This one I don't get to do so much. Mia is just learning to be my little apprentice, Ed works 2 jobs, and it takes $$ to have the others.


PRIORITIZE- Perhaps you're procrastinating on a task because it's really NOT that important. Maybe you'd love to re-organize your book shelves, but never get around to it. If it sounds like a good idea but in the end it's really not that important to you, don't let it hang over your head. Just let it go and recognize that you wouldn't have gotten that much value out of completing the job in the first place.
~I have an issue with a task that needs to be done now. I want to do ANY other task, just NOT to do the one that needs to be done.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE END RESULT- Before you begin a task or project that has high procrastination potential, get in touch with the OUTCOME. When the task is finished, what will that mean to you? What will be better in life as a result?
~I think I am seeing this with my whole organizing/nesting obsession. I am really trying to find a place for everything in my house. From the dustpan, to paperwork. To organize but not over organize (too many bins and files, makes it just as hard) It's a good thing to have it where you need it, and when you go there for it. Wahla! It's magicly right there for you! It's just keeping up with the busy working husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats and one 20 month old. I am sure I will get a great routine, and then comes Mr Alex!!


JUST DO IT- Don't THINK about it too much, just jump in and get it done!
~Yes sometimes I look into things WAY to much. Like laundry. I think I was looking at all the steps at once, collecting, dragging it down from the second floor to the other side of the basement, sorting, starting a load, folding, hanging, and putting away.
If I keep on it, it's not bad at all. But also you have a break while it is washing or drying to go do other stuff.

Hope these were as helpful to you, or just a refresher of what to do. I have lots of stamping projects to do in the next 2 months, so I need to get out of here and start now!!

Shout out to my mom

Hi mom!

I have decited to let my mom read my blog. So did my sister. Some may agree, some may disagree on doing this. But if she is willing to read about what is going on with me, just remember what it says at the top. Don't like it, don't read it.

I even think it would be good for mom to start her own blog, but, baby steps. We just got her into the world of reading Blogs, but it is good to Blog!

Spell check

I am frustrated that spell check is STILL down! It has been a week! If you know me I suck so bad at spelling and I know that I can be sloppy when I have a spell check feature. But NOOO, now I have none.

So my faithful readers, please try to read around my errors.

Happy Birthday Diane!

Yesterday was my MIL's birthday. We went out to there place around noon, and spent the whole day just hanging out. Ed's cousin Nikki also came by. It was a nice day of visiting, opening presents and just enjoying Mia.

Ed's birthday is on the 7th (tomorrow!) and so we celebrated both birthdays yesterday. We got Diane... A wicker basket, lined with material that had little stripes on it. (in the colors of Navy, gold, tan and olive) Inside I wrapped each gift in gold tissue paper and then surrounded them in vanilla tissue. The gifts were a electric blanket throw (Walgreens $30) some peanut brittle, big fat fuzzy socks in navy for around the house. A big picture frame, cut out at the top was the word "Love" that is what Diane calls Mia. With 3 pictures of Mia below. And in Mia and Alex's card they gave Gramma a $25 gift card to McDonalds (Gramma's favorite guilty pleasure)

She also got her favorite perfume, and a Garmin from Joe.

Lethargic

Lethargic physically, but mentally I again want to do so much.

Yesterday, I was super house wife. I did 7 loads of laundry, 2 were put away. I also cleaned my art room, and threw out 4 bags of crap. I have this internal fear that when Alex is here, I won't be able to do all this.

I know I will just have to adjust my schedule, but I think if I can get all this stuff organized now. Then I can relax with Alex and Mia later. I am sure there will always be something to organize, but these rooms were SO out of hand. I need to get everything to a place, so when I am busy with my family, I am not busy trying to organize or find what I need.

But since I am 7 months pregnant, and I did push myself yesterday. I am pooped today. But that's ok, I am snowed in here. Ed is sleeping, (he worked OT last night at the Casino) and had to close the video store 7-12:30 am tonight. And Miss Mi is napping

So with my time, before Jen calls to come over, I am going to go on my Yahoo Group and see what is new. Make a few phone calls, and probably head down to the basement.

Have a nice snowy lethargic day!

Don't ever talk about my momma.

This is a great quote I found online. For the people that have been in my life in the past, yes there is a reason you are my past. You obviously didn't qualify to make it to my future.

Friends from the past have either moved on, or hurt me, owe me money or are just WAY to much drama for me to deal with.

Family, is a hard one because you only get the one you got. But I have learned over the years, that they too, are just not worth all the drama.

I want to fill my life with happy people, people who make me happy, people who understand me, and love me for me. Not judging me for who I am and what I do. People who value life as much as I do.

I only have one shot at this life, and I won't get out alive anyway (ha ha) I really want to make the most of my life, and now with my children and growing family, I want to enjoy ever minute. If someone dosen't fit into my criteria for friendship your out.

I have seen myself, Ed, my family and friends get hurt, by trying SO hard to please everyone, and to be there for everyone else. And when it's your turn they just aren't there for us. What is the point? So I look like a good guy? Not when the next guy is just going to shit on me anyway. I am more important to myself then that.

Sad to say this all stems from a recent blow out that my aunt and uncle had against my mom and me. We have done nothing but try to keep family together, well mostly my mom. Hosting every holiday, dinners, get togethers. And she gets a "you've ruined everyone's life" "it's all your fault" and "don't bother visiting again"

What a waste. Some of these relitives were better off when they were drunks. Or just didn't talk to us. But at least the fakeness can stop. We know where you stand. It's too bad what we thought were great family memories are now questioned to what is real and what was just going through the motions.

Lila I hope you are happy. You and your pompous queen. You are the biggest bigot of them all. You live in an imaginary world where only you are right and god forbid your family be anything but perfect. Right, you know your comment about how you "don't agree with gay life style" but you still have a gay friend though. (Like your token gay friend) Wonder why your son Joe dosen't have a girl friend, and is a bachlor, hanging with the guys. Either he is very metro or a flaming queen and you just don't see it. The crap you have pulled, the lies you make about my mother, the many reasons I hate you. Are to many to list, and sad that I even wasted this much energy on you. Your useless. A sad, pompous, bratty, annoying, yellow dress wearing (you have to know the story) asshole. Not like you were much of an Aunt to me anyway.

Richard. You on the other hand I thought, maybe you were the coolest Uncle. Now I have realized that you were only nice when you were single, skinny, drinking and bachlor of the year. Now you have become the most nieve person, believing everything Lila fills your head with. And the fact that you have the balls to call my mom, and tell her the worst things you could think of. For me to have to hear my mom cry like she did. Is so unforgivable, it's unreal.

I don't believe that you and Aunt Lin are so gullible that you would believe that it's mom's fault that Jim is still drinking and goes into the hospital, AGAIN. And it's mom's fault that Lori moved down there with him.

Hey ass tart, I was the one who showed off the pictures. Not because we were solictating Jim's house so his kids could all move back in. Not like we said look at all the floor space! You could all spoon across the living room like you did back in your dad's 1 bedroom apartment! No retard. We were proud that after 60 something years of renting, Jim FINALLY had his own house. Lori needs someone. She is a single mom, and her mom just past away not even 2 years ago. She would have gone to her dad's with or without my picture gallery.

I really thought you were better then Lila. Oh but you aren't, don't forget about the first 2 wifes, the abuse, the AA meetings and living in Gramma's house too, oh and the kids you didn't raise. But your better then Jim and his family?!?

How you needed your family at one time. But now I guess you are better then that. I hope Lila and you make good friends. Because that is all you have now.

Jim, I just hope the best for you, and your new friend Carol. I hope you can live what you have left of your life, happy. If only you had the strength not to do what your late wife just did. Don't drink any more, easier said then done. But your alcohol abuse and your chain smoking is quickly killing you too.

And yes, my cousins are retarded. Not in the born that way sense of retardation. In the raised in a bad neighborhood, alcholic parents, verbally abusive, and no support growing up lifestlye and they make nothing but retarded choices. That taught them nothing but how NOT to live.

But since I was raised with them practiacly being my brothers and sister. I do love them, yes they are all totally screwed up. But I don't judge them, or look down on them.

It's there life they have to life, they have to be the ones to make the right choices. But when you were never taught the right choices, or even common sense for that matter. Who is to blame? The parents. Sure, for so much of it. The rest is on them. And if you know me, you know I am blunt. I will tell my cousins to stop drinking, smoking, weed, herion, crack, get a job and keep it more then a few months.

I try to be there, but again, you can only carry so much of someone elses burdon. When is to much to much? But they are there for me, and I for them. I guess that is what I thought family did. I did't know you just checked out when it was too much.

Even if it is. The way you, Lila and Rich checked out. Was just unreal. Your would think the weed, herion, crack abusing cousins were a disapointment. Well at least they know there fucked up. You on the other hand. Both live in imaginary worlds where, your perfect, and we caused everything that isn't.

And to praise my family. I think I will. My mom grew up with the same mom they all did. Gramma lost both of her husbands early. She was forced to work and raise all 4 kids on her own. They all grew up with the same background. They all made there own choices in life.

My mom just made the best choices. She chose to marry a great man, who is not only smart but the handiest person I know. Mom herself is the most amazing housewife, can cook circles around you, and friendly too. They raised both me and my sister to have common sense, good morals and to live life and be happy. Alway being there for me. Choosing to not drink or smoke (my father too came from that family life stlye) and to raise there girls the best they could.

They still do anything for you. Just be there for them. They don't ask alot from people. Hold off on the drama, relax but be responsible with your life. I thank god everyday for the amazig parents I have, and the way they raised both me and my sisters. They live smart, not outside there means, not better then anyone else. Just so they are happy.

Well now that you both have crushed my family, only for a short time. We are getting used to your abuse. Mom dosen't need you. And your imaginary lies, and ignorance for what once was.

She has too many friends and family that cares for her. Too many people that want to only see my parent happy. I hope they completly lose contact with you. It's too bad you fall in this catagory of the past, and not carried over into the future.

I personally have a great family, just this spring I will already have a happy family of 4. Then surrounding myself with my mom dad and sister. Look at my big happy family now. I will raise my family as my parents did. Common sense, good morals, and to live life, and be happy.

Don't surround yourself with angry drama.

Let them go. It may hurt, a lot. Because you trusted them. Well it just gave us some thick skin, and the ablitly to NOT put up with shit from people like you.

This Blog, is to Lila, Rich and don't even get me started on Bill. But that is the other side of the family and a whole other can of worms. But to me you fall right in here with them. You are all invisible to me. I don't like to hate, it is a strong word. But Yes Lila, Rich and Bill you have all caused me to hate you. Why? Because you had a shitty life, or something went wrong. You blame my mom. Well mom is done being the family toilet to shit on. Wake up and realize what you just lost.

Moral of the story. Don't ever talk about my momma. Ever.

(p.s. spell check is still down.)

Laudry and my new assistant

So at 20 months old (as of yesterday) Miss Mia is now my assistant. She want to do everything I do. So I will let her (to the point of saftey's sake) We have laundry to catch up on this morning, so I would hand her the clothes from the wash and she would put them in the dryer.

This is perfect because I don't have to bend over and she is right there! Then after the dryer is filled we turn that on, and Mia sits on the dryer and helps mommy throw laundry into the wash, Mia mostly gets socks, underware and her little clothes. Yeah! What a system. Now I just need to teach her to carry it up to the second floor from the basement, and fold or hang it...

Check this

Bah! The spell check is not working today. Jen noticed it yesterday. I guess you will all have to live with my craptastic spelling skills. I tend to use that feature like a bad crutch!

Survivor! Starts on Thursday February 7th. Again another show I love to watch! If you have never seen it. It's great, the challenges and the of coarse, ever so interesting power struggle, to see who can Outwit, Outlast and Outplay. All the other players.

I have not been a Survivor fan since day one, but I have been since Season 3: Africa. Now going on Season 16, I still can't miss a single episode!

Season 1

Season 2: Australia

Season 3: Africa

Season 4: Marquesas

Season 5: Thailand

Season 6: The Amazon

Season 7: Pearl Islands

Season 8: All-Stars

Season 9: Vanuatu

Season 10: Palau

Season 11: Guatemala

Season 12: Exile Island

Season 13: Cook Islands

Season 14: Fiji

Season 15: China

Season 16: Micronesia

So jump in and catch the Survivor fever, also if you have On Demand with Comcast, they have the episodes on there as early as Friday morning.

"Survivors. Ready!" Jeff Probst, host, line before each challenge

The Beginning of the End

Feeling that their rescue is close at hand, the survivors don't know whether to believe Charlie's final message that the people claiming to liberate them are not who they seem to be. The band of friends, family, enemies and strangers must continue to work together against the cruel weather and harsh terrain if they want to stay alive. But as they have discovered during their 70-plus days on the island, danger and mystery loom behind every corner, and those they thought could be trusted may turn against them. Even heroes have secrets.

Yes, last night was my big hot date me and my T.V. to watch Lost. I have to say the first hour was a great recap, even if you have never seen an episode of lost, this would have recaped it perfect for you. Then the next hour was "The Begining of the End" episode. So good! Shocker, twist, turns. I can't wait. 6 more days till the next episode!!

My big girl.

My once helpless baby, is talking (mostly bable still, but lots of words) walking, running and climbing. She is also miss independent.

I remember the days when she would sit strapped in her little bouncer, and now she has gotten herself onto the couch and she lays on the chase to watch her shows in the morning. Sigh.

It goes by so fast! And she seems so grown up, but then you are always reminded they need you.

I also read that to many people treat kids as if they are little adults. And they say they should be treated like little cave people. Barbaric, like. The need to learn each thing, probably repeatedly, until they understand.

Most adults just loose there patience, and yell, because they assume the kids will get it right away or they should have figured it out already. I won't lie. There are times where I just don't get how she dosen't get some things that are so common sense for me. But again I have been her for 29 1/2 years. And she has only had 20 months.

I mean she amazes me daily about what she catches onto, and what she learns by watching me, and everyone around her. I am glad I will have Alex to re-encounter all those baby things again, making sure to enjoy each and every one of them. All while watching my baby girls, grow up.

I think I need a hug from my Mi...

Snow.

Lots of it. Ah, my Scuz in Arizona would be so jelous right now! I measured we got about 8 inches here in Channahon, IL. Yikes!! Even the kids all got Snow Day today!

I am sure Ed is not happy about it. He has to open the video store again today, and a Snow Day for kids, means parents coming in to rent movies. I just talked to him though, and I guess the store was so busy last night, that one of the girls was there this morning to help Ed catch up. So that is a good start to a overtired, long Snow Day with kids and parents.

Oh, I so wish I had my camera, I let the dogs out to go pee, and when they squat in the snow, there butts go right in. then Maggie was sniffing the snow, and looked up at me, and had a full white beard on! Too cute!

I think once the streets get plowed, it will be ok. I always say I would rather have snow then the frigdit cold. The other night, when it was so cold. My pipes froze in my 1/2 bathroom. No flushing the toliet, and only ice dribble of water from the sink. Well after some, space heater time, and running the water. I fianally got it all to work. Just in time too. I had Stamp Camp with 9 women coming over, so I needed that bathroom!!

So enjoy the snow best you can. Sorry for anyone who has to drive in it, just becarful and watch the spaz ass driving next to you. Happy Snow!!

The Debate

If you know me I am not the most political person. I really won't argue a point with you, on the war or the economy. But I do vote, and even if they say my vote doesn't matter to much because Illinois is Democratic anyway. I still vote. It's a right that I have been given, and it gives me the bitching rights for the next 4 years, if I don't like what the president is doing. At least I voted.

So on that, Obama and Clinton, had there first one on one debate last night. I did watch a good portion of it. It was nice, because even if they didn't agree on everything. They were also pretty nice about it. No mud slinging, just yet.

The one question that has everyone buzzing is if they will do a Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton race, I think it would be a shoe in for the presidency if they ran together. Glad Edwards is gone. I would love to see Hilary win, but I will take Obama if not.

I really think the Republicans have done enough of a piss poor job. Not to mention I am more Democratic then anything.

Check out this site (thanks Sara) to find out who would match up best with your views...

http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

Have a democratic morning!